The Clairemont Times November 2018

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The

Clairemont Times Serving Clairemont, Bay Park, Linda Vista & Kearny Mesa News of the Neighborhoods

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LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER ECRWSS

NOVEMBER 2018

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Morena Blvd Housing Project Moves One Step Closer to Approval

by Chris O’Connell

As you read earlier about the crime lab property, it appears that the project is moving forward fast. A project that has been moving not so fast, the old RV/trailer park at Morena Blvd & West Morena Blvd.

Last month the developers Fairfield Residential presented to the Planning Commission asking for their approval of the project 150 units 1 & 2 bedrooms at market rate rent with no affordable housing units and adhering to the 30’ height limit.

The project was approved by the Commission and will now be moving to City Council for final approval possibly in December. Fairfield has been going back and forth caught in SEE Housing Project, page 4

Crime Lab Property 2nd Scoping Meeting Recap

Fairfield Residential rendering (subject to change) of their project on Morena Blvd & West Morena Blvd. (Pictured Morena Blvd & Frankfort St) Courtesy of Fairfield Residential

by Chris O’Connell

Last month the County held their second and final scoping meeting at Marston Middle School providing a little more detail as to the proposed future site of the Sheriffs Crime Lab property at address at 5255 Mt Etna Dr. The first scoping meeting was held in late September I provided a

TING A R B E L E C S 50 YEAR

synopsis in the October edition (page 4) as well as on our website. What changed at the October 15th meeting?

The county went through some introductory/refresher slides, again provided a time line and then introduced the chosen developer for the site Chelsea Investment Corporation (CIO) (www.ChelseaInvestco.com) CIO presented slides of past

projects, their resume and then their vision of the Mt Etna property called Messina Seniors & Modica Family.

Five stories roughly 58’ high and a total of at this time 404 units with 465 parking spots. I would urge all of you to visit this website www.SDHCD.org (scroll down to Mt Etna tab) to see the slide presentation and keep up to date on the project.

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2 • The Clairemont Times • November 2018

From the Publisher

by Chris O’Connell

Ahhhhh November, the month to give thanks, I try and give thanks every single night before I go to bed. Although, sometimes I go to bed and my brain is rattled with the day that was or what is at stake the following day or the day after that.

There is a lot going on in the community and my hope is we can all give thanks for what we have and try to help those who do not have as much.

Projects are happening or are in the early stages which will impact this community.

If you perceive them as positive or negative that is up to you.

I hope you will enjoy this edition, I believe there is some useful information.

www.clairemonttimes.com

There is a little bit of humor within some of the writings and of course ample opportunities to learn how to be more involved with what is happening locally.

This is a broken record, but it has to be said, I am extremely thankful for all who play a hand in making every edition of this newspaper possible.

If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call or email or direct message on social media. (858) 752-9779 chris@clairemonttimes.com @ClairemontTimes.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Chris O’Connell, Publisher

Mike Van Cleave Honored by Chevrolet for his Dedication to Little League

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Congratulations to longtime Clairemont Little League Hilltopper Mike Van Cleave, who was recognized by Chevrolet for his lifetime of service and commitment to Little League and the Clairemont Hilltoppers.

Mike was selected as the national recipient of the Chevy Cares Youth Baseball Program, and received a trip to Game 2 of the World Series on October 24th, in Boston where he was honored prior to the game for his great work and dedication.

Stay tuned, much more on this, including a one on one interview with Mike in the December edition.

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Clairemont Times CALL

Chris O’Connell (858) 752-9779 For more news and information visit: www.clairemonttimes.com

The Clairemont Times • November 2018 • 3

www.clairemonttimes.com OP-ED Contributor

Clairemont Will Prosper When We Work Together to End Homelessness

by Lisa Eyler and Natalia Zorrilla

homelessness affect me?

In our own community of Clairemont, You round the corner on your morning an estimated 50-100 people are living canyon walk and are surprised by a without permanent shelter. Most who are disheveled man sleepily emerging from the homeless remain close to where they used sagebrush. Later, as you wait impatiently to live and work. The costs of in afternoon traffic, an elderly woman homelessness affect all of us -- almost pushes a cart piled high with all her $35,000 of our tax money is spent for worldly possessions across Balboa Avenue. each year that a person with a long history You wonder, yet again, what can be done of homelessness and chronic health issues to address the pressing remains on the streets problem of homelessness (in 2018, there were in our neighborhood 2,171 people in this In order to work and our city. in San Diego together creatively situation Solutions to end County). Losses in homelessness, and the and effectively, we tourism revenue and role that Clairemont decreased property should play, are on all of should rely on proven values from unhoused our minds. As we citizens add insult to solutions. ponder these difficult injury. In addition, issues, we urge residents many current of Clairemont to consider how we can Clairemont residents may be one small enhance the health, well-being and step away from losing their homes. The prosperity of our community by making majority of U.S. families (about 60%) say sure that all of our neighbors have a that they do not have the savings to cover home. In order to work together an emergency cost of $1000, and most creatively and effectively, we should rely who rent housing are spending half to on proven solutions. Luckily, a great deal 70% of their income on rent and utilities. is known about the causes of homelessness We can provide a safety net by closing the and the benefits that come from gap between income and the cost of improving living conditions for all keeping a roof over our neighbors’ heads. members of a community.

How does ending homelessness and Who are the people experiencing keeping our neighbors in their own homelessness? homes lead to a more prosperous Most people become homeless when Clairemont? they lose a job or suffer serious illnesses Communities that address and can no longer afford the high cost of homelessness with supportive and housing in San Diego. Victims of affordable housing solutions generally see domestic violence are also at high risk for economic benefit. Building affordable homelessness. Of the approximately 8,500 homes on underutilized property or people in San Diego County who are replacing outdated buildings creates jobs, without homes, 1,545 are in families, 813 improves aesthetics, and yields additional are children or young adults, and 1,312 revenue for the community through are veterans. The majority of people property taxes. Importantly, providing experiencing homelessness do not have affordable housing (rent less than 30% of substance use disorders or suffer from income) allows Clairemont residents to mental illness. spend their money on staying healthy and adequately fed. In addition, it means What strategies work to reduce the more money to spend at our local number of people living without businesses. Furthermore, businesses shelter? benefit when workers can live nearby and Supportive housing provides both have stable housing, which reduces housing and voluntary services, such as employee turnover. treatments for mental and physical illness and job training. This approach has a Together, we can improve the health 77% - 97% success rate across the US and and economic stability of Clairemont by Canada -- the vast majority of residents providing safe and supportive places to remain in homes after a year, and very few live and ensuring that all who live and leave after that time period. Providing a work here can afford a home. Guided by home immediately, along with voluntary evidence, ingenuity, and compassion, we drug treatment for those who need it, is can bring all of Clairemont under one not only more effective in keeping people roof and end homelessness in our fine city. housed, it is equally effective in keeping people sober compared to approaches that Lisa and Natalia are Clairemont residents and impose restrictions, like work or sobriety. members of the Clairemont Coalition on In short, the evidence-based solution to Homelessness (CCH). For more information on CCH and to see sources for the information homelessness is to provide homes.

As a Clairemont resident, how does

mentioned in this piece, please see the hyperlinked version at the CCH website: homelessclairemont.org

A Malfunction on Morena Blvd

by Bill Swank

Street repairs performed earlier this year at the intersection of Morena Boulevard and Avati Drive have caused

in September 2018. A city traffic engineer visited the site and confirmed that the left-turn timing had been affected by construction. Because the sensors for north and southbound left turns were

Left-turn arrows on Morena Boulevard at Avati Drive continues to malfunction

the north and southbound left-turn arrows on Morena Boulevard to improperly function.

Even when there are no vehicles in the left-turn pockets, the green left-turn signals for both directions continue to go through a cycle which stops all other traffic.

The problem was reported to the city

(photo by Bill Swank)

damaged, the traffic signals default to “minimum recall.”

This results in green left-turn arrows without any vehicles in the pockets. It would seem this problem should be easily corrected.

Incredibly, it could take until March 2019 for repairs to be made by an independent contractor.

4 • The Clairemont Times • November 2018

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Housing Project Continued from page 1

Community Meetings Open to the Public (Locations & Times Subject to Change)

Clairemont Town Council 11/1/18 (1st Thursday) 6:30pm Clairemont High School 4150 Ute Dr. 92117 Clairemont Community Planning Group 11/20/18 (3rd Tuesday) 6:00pm Alcott Elementary 4680 Hidalgo Ave. 92117 Linda Vista Town Council 11/15/18 (3rd Thursday) 6pm Baha’i Faith Center 6545 Alcala Knolls Dr.92111 Linda Vista Planning Group 11/26/18 (4th Monday) 5:30pm Linda Vista Library 2160 Ulric St. 92111

the middle for close to 4 years trying to appease the community, trying to work the market conditions and also dealing with City politics and planning and regularly attending and presenting to the Clairemont Community Planning Group.

This project is the first new development along Morena and in a sense being built as a direct result of the Mid Coast Trolley. The City, The Planning Commission, Developers all want to build along this transit corridor. Residents are cautiously optimistic.

A sticking point is the community wants future development to adhere to a 30’ height limit. Fairfield did and some residents are happy with the project. Not happy at all with the project is the Planning Commission. If you want to have a feel for what the Planning Commission wants I would urge to listen, you don’t have to watch, the hearing from October 4th. Here is a shortened link which will bring you to the hearing https://clmttimes.news/morenaoct4th The video will be on the LEFT side of your screen, turn up the volume and fast forward to the 14 minute mark it will last about 90 minutes. It is well worth listening to because future development projects go to the Planning Commission prior to City Council for votes. With that being said future developments usually will come to the local planning groups (CCPG LVPG) prior.

The Planning Commission approved

the Morena/W. Morena project, however they made their feelings known this is not the kind of future development they want to see coming before them or along the Morena transit corridor. 30’ is too low, the minimum number of units to be developed is not enough. Build high and build many units.

Comments coming from the Planning Commissioners such as “this project is precedent setting in a bad way” “the community needs to figure out what their character is” “don’t leave density on the table” did not sit well with some residents.

This promises to be quite interesting as future developers come before the CCPG & the Linda Vista Planning Group when presenting projects along the Morena Corridor.

In this area, the City wants density, they want some affordable housing and developers want to get the most bang for their buck. The residents want, well, some want no development leave it alone, but the residents really want to be informed throughout the process. This Fairfield project, the residents, those interested, were definitely in the loop over the years.

All I can say is stay tuned. If you want to be involved attend the CCPG & LVPG meetings, attend subcommittee meetings.

If you have questions I will do my best to lead you in the right direction, whether it is meeting dates locations etc. (858) 752-9779 Email: Chris@clairemonttimes.com DM@clairemonttimes

Advertising Sales Person(s) Wanted If you or someone you know is looking for a p/t or f/t job we are looking to hire ad sales reps. The ideal candidate is someone who is outgoing and ambitious and looking to supplement their income. The hours are very flexible. Sales experience is preferred.

Please feel free to call or email Chris O’Connell at (858) 752-9779 or Chris@ClairemontTimes.com. This is a heavy commission sales position.

Useful Local Project Websites

DIRECTORY

City of San Diego www.SanDiego.gov For Updates/Documents & General Information on Morena Blvd/Balboa Area www.BalboaStationPlan.org For Updates on the Future Sherriff Crime Lab Property www.SDHCD.org

SPONSORED BY

Police 911

Non-Emergency (619) 531-2000

Fire 911

Non-Emergency (619) 533-4300

Mayor Falcouner

(619) 236-6330

District 2 Councilmember Lorie Zapf

(619) 236-6622

District 6 Councilmember Chris Cate

(619) 236-6616

For Updates on the MidCoast Trolley www.SANDAG.org/MidCoast

District 7 Councilmember Scott Sherman

(619) 236-6677

City of SD Pothole & Graffiti Hotline

(619) 527-7500

For updates on Transportation & Infrastructure Projects in UTC/Golden Triangle www.ShiftSanDiego.com

Trash Collection Environmental Services

(858) 694-7000

SD County Animal Services (24 hour hotline)

(619) 236-2341

SDG&E

(800) 411-7343

SD County Water Authority

(858) 522-6600

Metropolitan Transit System

(619) 231-1466

Cathy Hopper Friendship Senior Center

(858) 483-4005

Clairemont Times Newspaper

(858) 752-9779

For Updates on the Clairemont Community Plan Update www.ClairemontPlan.org

PureWater Projects Updates/Construction Notices www.PureWaterSD.com

For more news and information visit: www.clairemonttimes.com

The Clairemont Times • November 2018 • 5

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Crime Lab Continued from page 1

The renderings shown it should be noted, are the first look at a project presented to the community. Is this how the project will look at final build out?

Probably not.

The meeting was then opened up for public comment for roughly 90 minutes.

The message to the representatives of the County, to the County hired consultants and to CIO was similar to the September meeting. Comments such as “this project is too big”, “the project is moving way too fast”, “this is the wrong location”, “how will the future residents be vetted”. Traffic was also a major comment as the project right now has only one entrance/exit onto Mt Etna. If I had to put one word on the overall theme of public comment it would be Negative.

As proposed the project will have 52 units for developmentally disabled persons, 152 units for seniors and 252 units for families. There was of course empathy and the need for affordable housing was acknowledged, however many felt this location was not the best use of the site.

Timeline We are early in the process, but things are moving rapidly and this is a concern for the neighborhood. The County is preparing to go before the Planning Commission tentatively scheduled for early

Initial project rendering (subject to change) for the future development on the site of the former SD Sheriffs Crime Lab on Mt Etna Drive in Clairemont.

(Image via www.SDHCd.org)

December in a request to amend the community plan. The Clairemont Community Planning Group (CCPG) has created a new subcommittee specifically for two future housing projects this one and & Mt Alifan. On October 29th this new subcommittee had their first meeting scheduled, unfortunately this edition had been sent to the printer. However, a recap of that subcommittee will be posted on our website www.ClairemontTimes.com

With all that being said, Chelsea Investment Corp has a well know reputation in the City for building quality housing. The County is trying to expedite the process and assures the community there will be plenty of time for input and feedback. Many are hesitant.

What next?

If you want to stay involved or become

involved, visit the County website www.SDHCD.org. Follow the CCPG on Facebook. Keep your ears open for meetings, talk to your neighbors.

Something will happen to the crime lab property the hope is the community, the County, Chelsea all the stakeholders will be open and transparent. Stay tuned.

Email: chris@ClairemontTimes.com DM @ClairemontTimes.

6 • The Clairemont Times • November 2018

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Help My Office Protect the Environment

by San Diego City Attorney, Mara W. Elliott

Clear coastal waters, breathtaking beaches, and rugged desert trails are just a few of the natural features that define San Diego and draw people here from all over the world. As City Attorney, I work to protect our environment by fighting for tough laws and holding violators accountable. I count you as a partner in this effort.

As you read these highlights of the work my office does, remember: We need you to speak up when you see potential environmental violations. I’ve included reporting information below: Water pollution. Our office is suing Monsanto, the chemical manufacturing behemoth, for the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in San Diego Bay and the waterways leading to it. Monsanto manufactured PCBs for years despite overwhelming evidence of their public health risk. In August, a judge allowed our claim to move forward, bringing us one step closer to ensuring the company pays to clean up our watershed and bay.

Lead paint. Our office is part of statewide coalition of prosecutors that won a long-running case against paint manufacturers that knowingly sold toxic lead paint to California families. Lead, when ingested by children, can damage the central nervous system and cause lifelong learning disabilities. The companies tried to appeal this decision to the United States Supreme Court, but the court wouldn’t take the case. The companies must now pay into a $409 million fund to remove toxic lead paint from affected homes, including many in San Diego.

Illegal dumping. Lead paint can also contaminate our rivers and ocean. A citizen complaint led our office to successfully prosecute a Riverside County-based painting company that power-washed painted curbs in Del Cerro, allowing toxic paint chips to flow into the street and storm drains. Two employees

and the CEO were ordered to pay more than $12,000 in fines and restitution, and perform community work service.

Hazardous waste. The unlawful handling of hazardous waste puts us all at risk. That’s why my office joined 21 other prosecuting agencies in a successful lawsuit against Whole Foods, which was illegally disposing of hazardous waste in our landfills. With inadequate safety protocols to protect customers, employees, or the public, Whole Foods improperly disposed of ignitable liquids, cleaning agents, aerosol products, and other flammable, reactive, toxic, and corrosive materials, at its California facilities. Stores in Hillcrest and UTC were implicated in the complaint. San Diego will receive more than $110,000 in civil penalties, including funds to support the work of the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health.

Wildlife poaching. Our office also targets individuals who harm the environment. Within the past two years, we have prosecuted more than 15 marine wildlife poachers, many of them repeat offenders poaching lobster and abalone in protected areas. Citizens reported them to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and we brought them to justice.

A portion of the damages we collect go toward critical preservation efforts.

You can help. To strengthen our ability to enforce environmental regulations, I recently created the Nuisance Abatement Unit to oversee cases related to illegal dumping, hazardous waste, fish and wildlife, illegal grading, lead paint, and the destruction of environmentally sensitive lands.

You can report environmental violations to our Nuisance Abatement Unit by contacting us at (619) 533-5500, cityattorney@sandiego.gov, or https://www.sandiego.gov/cityattorney/divi sions/communityjustice/nau.

Whether we are taking on powerful interests accustomed to operating above the law, or prosecuting individuals who threaten our precious ocean ecology, my office is committed to protecting the environment for the safety and enjoyment of all.

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Burn Institute Program Offers Free Lifesaving Smoke Alarms to Seniors National safety statistics show that adults age 65 and older are two times more likely to die in a home fire than any other segment of the population; for those over age 75, that risk nearly quadruples.

Despite these alarming statistics, thousands of seniors throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties are currently living in homes without a working smoke alarm.

One of the best ways seniors can improve their chances of escaping a residential fire is by making sure their home is equipped with an operating smoke alarm. The Burn Institute is working towards ensuring that every senior’s home has just that. Their Senior Smoke Alarm Program provides seniors with free smoke alarms and instillations. Screened and trained community partners and volunteers assist the Burn Institute year-round in installing the free alarms.

Having a working smoke alarm in your

home reduces your chances of perishing in a house fire by 50%. Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every floor of your home. “In a fire, seconds count,” said Susan Day, Burn Institute Executive Director. “Roughly half of home fire deaths result from fires reported at night between 11pm and 7am when most people are asleep.

Home smoke alarms can alert people to a fire before it spread, giving seniors enough time to get out.”

The Burn Institute’s Senior Smoke Alarm Program is available to seniors year-round. Installations are booked on a first-come, first-served basis.

To qualify for this lifesaving program, you must be 62 years or older and own your own home and live within San Diego County. Slots fill-up quickly — call now to sign up for your installation!

858-541-2277 or smokealarm@burninstitute.org.

The Clairemont Times • November 2018 • 7

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November is here already with Daylight Saving ending on Nov. 4, Election Day, Veteran’s Day and wonderful Thanksgiving... but don’t forget us. We will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. at the Balboa Community Church. (Directions below). Nicole Koch from “Voices for Children” will speak to us about how her organization helps abandoned, abused or neglected children by providing them with Court Appointed Special Advocates. The Advocates are all volunteers! Refreshments will be served.

In October, we had a most interesting speaker, who told us about living donors for kidney transplants... she herself having donated a kidney to her husband. The Gourmet Luncheon group indulged at Miguel’s in Old Town. The Book group discussed “Reconstructing Amelia” and a

number of us helped out at the Clairemont Christian Community Services packing up goods for deliveries to families in need.

Our major fundraiser will be a luncheon and fashion show in the Spring. Proceeds will be for scholarships to a graduating girl at Clairemont and Madison High Schools.

Keep your eyes peeled for more information.

Our December meeting will be a holiday lunch for members in Mission Valley. We will meet again on January 2, 2019. Mark your new calendars and start the new year with us. More information will follow in the December issue of The Clairemont Times. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

For more information about CWC, visit our website at www.ClairemontWomansClub.com or “like” us on Facebook. You may also call Jackie at (858) 273-7664 Directions: Balboa Community Church at 6555 Balboa Ave. Please park around the corner on Mt. Albertine in the church parking lot.

The Chapman Team Real Estate Chatter

by Bobbie Chapman

San Diego still has home prices rising faster than the rest of the state. It doesn’t seem to matter the interest rates have risen.

There is more inventory on the market and that helps the buyers. They have more to choose from and in some cases give the buyer a little more time to decide to make an offer on a particular home.

Our market slowed down during September and is just beginning to pick up again. The last 2 months of the year are usually a good time of the year to purchase a home at a lower price.

The shortage of availability of homes on the market has affected the number of

Clairemont Lutheran Church www.clairemontlc.org 4271 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92117 Sunday Worship Times 8:30, 10:00 (English) & 11:30 am (Spanish) Sunday School for kids 9:45am Holy Cross Lutheran Church www.holycrossword.org 3450 Clairemont Drive, San Diego, CA 92117 Church (858) 273-2886 Lifeline Community Fellowship First Saturday at 5:00pm Food/Fellowship Sunday Worship 9:00 am Christian Science Church and Reading Room www.christianscience.com • www.prayerthatheals.org 3410 Clairemont Drive, San Diego, CA 92117 Phone (619) 276-5034 Sunday Worship Service and Sunday School: 10:00am Wednesday Testimony Meetings: Noon Reading Room Hours: M-F 11am-3pm & Sat 11am-1pm

858-490-0360

Clairemont Woman’s Club

by Marge Weber

Religious Directory

homes sold. But doesn’t mean there haven’t been qualified home buyers, they have to wait for the inventory to increase. We still have a strong market and booming economy to keep our real estate market humming.

The interest rate of 5% has been suggested by the National Association of Realtors by the end of 2018. At the present time the average rate on a 30-year conforming loan is 4.75% and 15-year rate is 4.25%. The ARM loan is back, the 5-year ARM loan is averaging about 4.25%.

Give the Chapman Team a call at (619) 208-9430 or (858) 344-338 if you have a real estate question. We will be delighted to help.

Northminster Presbyterian Church Sunday Worship Time 10:00a.m.

4324 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego, CA 92117 www.northminstersandiego.com 858 490-3995 Northminster Preschool 858 270-3760

St. Catherine Labouré Catholic Church www.stcatherinelaboure.net 4124 Mt. Abraham Ave., San Diego, CA 92111 Phone (858) 277-3133 Weekend Mass Times Saturday 5:30pm Sunday 8:00, 9:30, 11:00am, 1pm/Spanish St. David’s Episcopal Church & Preschool www.saintdavidschurch.com 5050 Milton Street, San Diego CA 92110 Sunday Worship Times: 8:00am Holy Communion Rite I (Traditional) 10:30am Holy Communion Rite II (Contemporary) Weekday Worship: Tuesdays, 12:00 p.m. Rite II Holy Communion St. Mark’s United Methodist Church www.stmarksumcsd.org 3502 Clairemont Drive, San Diego, CA 92117 Phone: (858) 273-1480 Sunday worship: 9:30 a.m.

For information on advertising your place of worship in the Religious Directory please call or email Chris O’Connell, Publisher (858) 752-9779 chris@clairemonttimes.com

8 • The Clairemont Times • November 2018

Squaremont

By Bill Swank

Pictured: Bill Swank outside the Buena Vista Garden Apartments on Cowley Way in 1955, with East Clairemont off in the distance.

Gala Hollywood Premier of the Clairemont Theatre

by Bill Swank

It took a very long time for “moving picture shows” to find a niche in the Clairemont cultural scene. The community was “thrilled in anticipation of the grand opening of the Clairemont Theatre” scheduled for June 29, 1965.

The expensive projection system and special screen could handle 70 mm high-resolution films.

The design of the building was mid-century modern to reflect and compliment the architecture of the other businesses at the Clairemont Square... which meant that it was another square box.

The Clairemont Sentinel reported, “A new era for Clairemont’s image, within and without the community, takes place as merchants welcome the opening of the new, luxurious, air-conditioned Stanley Warner Clairemont Theatre. Fashions, eating habits and shopping trends will be affected by this new image. Clairemont is a full-fledged community with homes, schools, churches, shopping centers and, of course, its own luxurious theater.”

Simon Fabian, president of Stanley Warner, effused, “This is the best located and most comfortable house ever built by Stanley Warner in the 38 years of the company’s history. It’s a splendid theater and one I know every resident of San Diego will be proud of.”

Stanley Warner arranged a “gala Hollywood premier” for “Lord Jim,” starring Peter O’Toole in the title role.

The handsome O’Toole was thought to be box office gold after having won the 1962 Oscar for Best Actor in “Lawrence of Arabia.” Playwright Noel Coward playfully jibed, “If you had been any prettier, it would have been Florence of Arabia.”

The Sentinel described “Lord Jim” as “a highly dramatic and tensely exciting film.” Unfortunately, when the film adaptation of Joseph Conrad’s classic opened four months earlier in New York, the reviews were bad and it became a “box office bomb.”

Clairemont got a turkey.

San Diego news outlets loved it when celebrities visited town in the 1960s.

They treated regurgitated studio generated publicity as “real news.”

The following “stars” were expected to attend the grand opening: Madlyn (Madeleine) Rhue and husband Tony Young (co-stars of “He Rides Tall”), John Smith (“Laramie”), John Anderson (character actor), Bill Frawley (Fred Mertz on “I Love Lucy”), Jesse White (remembered for his portrayal of the Maytag repairman), Eartha Kitt (sultry cabaret singer), Chill Wills (perpetual cowboy sidekick), Barbara Luna (appeared in numerous TV series), Bill Wellman (son of legendary director “Wild Bill” Wellman), Tony Dow (Wally on “Leave it to Beaver’), Clint Walker (“Cheyenne”), Robert Q. Lewis (TV games show participant) and Duane Hickman (Dobie Gillis). The emcee was local TV celebrity Regis Philbin.

Ticket prices were $5.00 and $10.00.

The gala sold out and $4,500 was raised for The Boys Club pool. The Sentinel wrote, “Many well-known [unnamed] movie and television personalities were on stage, as well as, Miss Clairemont, Judy Smith.” Apparently not all of the Hollywood stars were able to attend.

(Some of the stars probably didn’t even know about the premier.)

Dolores Juditz was a member of the Clairemont Junior Women’s Club that hosted the opening reception. “I had a lovely night pouring champagne for the various celebrities,” she recalled. Dolores best remembers Lori Martin, the Elizabeth Taylor look-alike who starred in the popular TV series, “National Velvet” and Tony Dow, the likable older brother in “Leave it to Beaver.”

The next feature at the Clairemont Theatre was promoted as the world premier of “Around the World in a Daze” starring The Three Stooges. Because the film had been released two years earlier, the “world premier” designation showed Stanley Warner’s cavalier lack of respect for the sophistication of Clairemont movie buffs.

On March 3, 1966, a confusing front page Sentinel article was headlined, “Everything is Normal Again in Clairemont.” It was a tribute to the power of the press, because a single news article turned juvenile delinquents into choir boys.

This is the back story. Theater manager Rudolph Kuehn (rumored to have been a humorless man) complained to a reporter that vandalism and rowdy teenaged behavior was chasing his customers away.

Wild, uncontrollable kids were yelling and screaming. Water balloons would hit unsuspecting theater-goers. A girl danced on a table in the restroom and “broke all four legs off the table.” Friday nights were the most unsettling.

In the article, Mr. Kuehn thanked the newspaper for making parents aware of their children’s misbehavior in his theater.

The message worked, because parents instructed their children to be good... and now they were. “Everything was normal again,” so the manager was pleased his “adult, respectable customers would

www.clairemonttimes.com

1965 Gala Hollywood Premier advertisement for the Clairemont Theatre

return.”

On July 21, 1966, The Sentinel reported that a 19-year-old college student, William Rubin, tragically fell 34 feet to his death while changing light bulbs at the Clairemont Theatre. He

those at the Clairemont Twin box office.

The building remained unoccupied until it was converted into a 99¢ Only Store for the new millennium.

Major renovation at the Square began in 1996. Pacific Cinemas, later renamed

The former Clairemont Theatre is now a 99¢ Only Store at the Square

stumbled off a catwalk and dropped though a false ceiling. Young Rubin had only worked at the theater for five weeks after his graduation from Mesa College.

He had been a tennis star at Point Loma High School and would be attending the University of Arizona in the fall semester.

After a grand opening in 1965, the Clairemont Theatre would experience a star crossed run. Kids have happy memories of popcorn and favorite movies.

In the late 1970s, as a harbinger of multiplex theaters to come, it was converted to two theaters. When the theater finally closed in the 1990s, it was worn out and irrelevant.

The lines at Blockbuster for movie videos and DVDs rentals were longer than

Photo Clairemont Sentinel

Photo by Bill Swank

Reading Cinemas, opened in 1997 and became the focal center that Stanley Warner hoped to achieve in 1965.

The loss of the Clairemont Theatre can be paraphrased by Charles Marlowe’s epitaph to Lord Jim: “And that’s the end.

It passes away under a cloud, inscrutable at heart, forgotten, unforgiven, and excessively romantic.”

In case you missed it, “The Three Stooges: The Movie” played at Reading Cinemas Town Square in 2012. The inscrutable “Lord Jim” never returned to Clairemont.

Email:Bill@ClairemontTimes.com To read all the Squaremont columns, visit: http://clairemonttimes.com/category/squaremont

The Clairemont Times • November 2018 • 9

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Memories about Go to Work Day with Dad

by Chris O’Connell

As a real youngster, I used to periodically go to work with my Dad; a newspaper photographer. In the car he had a center console mounted scanner. The scanner had a variety of channels programmed and always scanning Fire, Police, EMT, State Police and others.

When he was not on an assignment it would be “standing by to stand by”.

Dad had his usual spots to park usually by the ocean or the airport so I had something to look at while he, cough cough, worked (see napped) If something came across and he was close it was pure adrenaline racing to the scene. It was awesome, it was the 70’s no seat belts and I am just holding on in the car.

And then we arrived at the cat stuck in the tree.

Even today scanners are listened to 24/7 in newsrooms, tv trucks, freelancers even hobbyists.

Bringing this full circle, a question I receive usually once a month either via email or a dm on social media is, “Do you

know why there were police cars at such and such or why is the police helicopter circling overhead?” I don’t mind the question because it brings back memories of Dad, unfortunately I have to tell the person I usually have no idea.

Nowadays you do not need a scanner if you have a smartphone, you can download an app called “5-0 Radio Police Scanner” (there are also others). You can listen to your hearts content and you might find out what the commotion was.

The app is super simple: Pick a Country, Pick a State, Pick a City and from there a list of options appear.

San Diego for example, receives nearly 30 channels.

SDPD, SDFD, CHP, SD International Airport to name a few. Have a listen next time you hear all kinds of sirens.

Happy listening and enjoy standing by to stand by.

Email: Chris@ClairemontTimes.com or DM @ClairemontTimes

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10 • The Clairemont Times • November 2018

A Padres Column

by Major Garrett

Off-season?

What off season?

For most of their history, the Padres have been more than a little off.

Off balance. Off the radar. Off national television. Off the All-Star roster.

You get the idea.

Mediocrity, or worse, requires coping.

I have spent my life as a Padres fan coping. This means building elaborate ways to watch the post season by concocting some whiff of Padre connection with or relevant to the teams actually playing.

Take the World Series for example. I delight in the fact that Red Sox manager Alex Cora is the younger brother of former Padre Joey Cora. Seriously, I pay attention to such things. Very sick, I know.

In a related fashion, I feel a kinship with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who played for the Padres and served as bench coach. I also watch Yasmani Grandal closely, knowing he too was once a Padre.

So was Red Sox reliever Craig Kimbrel.

No matter how fleeting, tangential or patently absurd the connection, I delight in it as my therapeutic response to decades of Padre-induced trauma.

This pattern started, as most patterns do, during my childhood.

The first Padre pitcher I remember actively cheering was Fred Norman. He was a 5 foot 8 inch left-handed screwball pitcher who had scuffled around professional baseball for nearly a decade before landing with the Padres in 1971. In 20 starts that year, he went 3-12 with a 3.32 ERA - meaning he pitched well, but the Padres couldn’t hit, score runs or win (see previous columns).

In 1972, Norman went 9-11 and that made him the team ace as he compiled at 3.44 ERA. In 1973 he was 1-7 with a 4.26 ERA before being shipped off to the Cincinnati Reds for some scrap-heap players and CASH. It was indicative of Padre finances in those days that the

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franchise traded Norman, arguably its best pitcher with a genuine fan following, principally for cash. This bitter truth became a topic of hushed shame in the Garrett household - evidence of a shabby team, incompetent front office and hopelessness as far as the eye could see (my parents were no dummies - just gluttons like me).

With the Reds, Norman found instant success and won two World Series (1975 and 1976) titles with what was then known as “The Big Red Machine.” It was watching Norman pitch for the Reds I developed this sickly syndrome of saying “Hey, that’s a former Padre playing in the World Series” and extracting some measure of synthetic pride. What was the key word?

Synthetic.

So it has been my whole life. Hey, there’s Bruce Bochy winning three world championships with the Giants! Oh and Ozzie Guillien a Padres farmhand from 1980-84, goes on to manage a World Series in 2005 with the Chicago White Sox. Look, Anthony Rizzo won a championship with the Cubs. And Joe Carter, Tony Fernandez and Roberto Alomar with the 1993 Blue Jays (Cito Gaston too!). Jim Leyritz with the 1999 World Championship New York Yankees.

The list and the ache goes on and on latching onto to former Padres living out baseball immortality SOMEWHERE ELSE. Dave Winfield. Ozzie Smith. Gary Sheffield. Steve Finley (played for the Padres in the 1998 World Series but actually played and won in 2001 with the Diamondbacks). Jake Peavy. Chris Young.

Must I go on? You know I could. This is how a Padre fan (at least this one) spends October. Imagining what might have been. Over and over and over.

Until the off-season is over and the season that is likely to be off begins.

Do you have a Padres or Clairemont question for Major ... Heck, maybe even a White House question? Send us an email to: AskMajor@ClairemontTimes.com we’ll forward them.

Major Garrett was born and raised in Clairemont, is Chief White House Correspondent for CBS News, host of “The Takeout” podcast and author of the recently released book “Mr. Trump’s Wild Ride: The Thrills, Chills, Screams and Occasional Blackouts of His Extraordinary First Year in Office.”

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The Clairemont Times • November 2018 • 11

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How San Diego City Works Around the Brown Act Commentary by Louis Rodolico

These days most of the City of San Diego community meetings are not in auditoriums, but in small rooms with easels and posters that are manned by Engineers and Consultants. Project Managers like this format for several reasons; 1) Managers only have to set up presentation materials for issues they wish to discuss. 2) Issues that are controversial can be left out. 3) A citizen

Ad-Hoc meetings are overused and important topics like new fire stations are being determined by a few individuals without any of us knowing what is being said in our name. As it turns out the individuals discussing fire station locations with officials were using the placement of new fire stations as chess pieces to block roads they did not want in their neighborhood. Public safety was not their primary objective. (See Fire Station Link)

can still ask an important controversial question, but it will only be shared with a few listeners not an audience. 4) Managers have told me they prefer this poster station format since it is less hostile. Which translates into: “We do not want to address controversial issues and this is our way around the Brown Act”. We find out years later what project managers left out.

A good example was the Blue Line Trolley poster presentation in the spring of 2016. The room was small, hot, overcrowded and loud. SANDAG addressed the crowd with a bullhorn. There were no boards/posters for the areas I wanted to ask about, so no discussion was possible.

These poster meetings were recently used

by Pure Water. Here the public was not given details about the controversial four foot diameter high pressure raw sewage line (18 tons per square foot) until it was described in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The documents in the EIR were 60% construction documents so the public was being informed when it was already too late for any public comment to be considered. This flies in the face of what an EIR is intended to be. Citizens are supposed to comment on the EIR and adjustments made based on those comments. Pure Water had completely sidestepped the Brown Act. Managers were in effect saying: “we should consider public comments, but unfortunately we have already finished our design, thanks for participating” Another method to avoid the Brown Act is when organizations like the University Community Planning Group (UCPG) conceal important issues like new fire stations with Ad-Hoc meetings. Ad-Hoc meetings are supposed to be for short range projects like setting up a picnic. UCPG rules dictate that; only UCPG members can be at Ad-Hoc meetings, the public is excluded and no minutes are required.

Another way information is hidden from citizens is when lobbyists sue or threaten to sue their own ally. Here both parties can enter into confidential discussions that are protected by instruments like; legally binding non-disclosure agreements. (See Lobby Link) City government is currently set up to benefit the party with money. For example: currently there are two well-funded parties in the vacation rental dispute. They are an even match since each can raise several hundred thousand dollars to get the required ballot signatures. So San Diego democracy gives both of these parties a voice.

40 years ago Westfield Mall realized that if the Regents Road Bridge were built less cars/customers would be funneled up Genesee. When the 2006 bid to remove the bridge was lost, Westfield had the money to get the bridge on the ballot, but knew they would not win the popular vote. However, Westfield also had the money to purchase everything and everyone it needed to get its way. Westfield Mall was Australian owned and had no interest in public safety in University, Bay Ho or Clairemont. With millions to spend and a legion of lobbyists to whip votes, local political organizations in University were overwhelmed with mall loyalists. In 2014 Westfield paid the half million dollars for its own custom EIR to remove the bridge. (See Resolution Link) The Malls EIR ignored ambulance travel times and deliberately misrepresented; greenhouse gases generated and all the time those Americans waste in traffic. To survive, American owned companies like the Costa Verde shopping center stayed away from this toxic enterprise. Westfield was finally successful in 2016. The citizens who lost to Westfield showed up at the city council hearing with 3,000 local signatures, but to get on the ballot, they would need 10% of the voter signatures in the entire city. With

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Janet Tope (858) 717-2042 no big financial backer these citizens did not have enough money to get on the ballot. Demonstrating that San Diego guarantees proposition ballot access to big money but not its citizens. The city will not release ambulance service data, so based on County data, the lack of completed roads results in about 7 of us dying each year before we can get to the ER. A statistic a foreign owned corporation has no interest in but a local governing authority should at least consider in an EIR. (See CEQA Link) Another observation of San Diego’s overbearing is its threat to public safety officials. The Fire Chief provided extensive testimony in 2006 to build the Regents Road Bridge and council affirmed it. In 2016 under threat of; career, pension and or income loss the Fire Chief did not testify at the City Council hearing. (See link) Big money hires lobbyists who fund politicians who instruct public officials. Going forward the Fire Chief and other public safety

officials will need clearance from big money before testifying. Their voice is no longer independent.

All these Brown Act workarounds; hide the truth from taxpayers, raise the cost of living in San Diego, benefit big money and put all of us at elevated risk.

Louis Rodolico has been a resident of University City since 2001 louisrodolico.com Links: Fire Station http://clairemonttimes.com/university-city-one-fire-stati on-or-two/ Lobby: http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/government/thi rty-something-brother-and-sister-and-atop-san-diego-p olitics/ Resolution: http://www.louisrodolico.com/uploads/7/5/2/2/7522108 7/dif_exhibits.pdf CEQA http://clairemonttimes.com/community/ceqa-judge-rule s-not-to-hear-arguments-about-public-safety-and-the-r egents-road-bridge/ City Council Hearing http://granicus.sandiego.gov/MediaPlayer.php?view_id =3&clip_id=6835

12 • The Clairemont Times • November 2018

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LoloLovesFilms This Month:

The Clairemont Times PO Box 17671 San Diego, CA 92177 (858) 752-9779 Founding Publisher: Chris O’Connell Advertising Janet Tope (858) 717-2042 Graphic Designer: Elaine Hall Contributors: Major Garrett Brian Gruters Susan Lewitt Lauren & Josh Rains Brian Riehm Louis Rodolico Robert Ross Tanya Sawhney Bill Swank Marge Weber The Clairemont Times is a free publication published each month and circulated throughout the neighborhoods of Clairemont, Linda Vista, Bay Park & Kearny Mesa. Story ideas, advertising & editorial questions can be sent to The Clairemont Times P.O. Box 17671, San Diego, CA 92177 or chris@clairemonttimes.com Copyright ©2011-18 The Clairemont Times/McSierra Publishing. Reuse of material from this edition or past editions is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.

The opinions in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of The Clairemont Times/McSierra Publishing but instead, of each individual author/contributor.

The Clairemont Times is proud to partner and contribute with:

Best of the 2018 San Diego Film Festival

by Lolo & Big J

This year’s San Diego International Film Festival played many great films, from indies to studio releases, screening for the press and public alike. We had such a good time at the fest this year! Today, we’d like to share with you the best of the best of what we saw!

“Stella’s Last Weekend”- It’s a historical fact that if a movie has a dog’s name in the title, you can expect massive waterworks before the final credits roll. We wound up really enjoying this movie. It explores the bond between brothers and shows how those bonds can be tested from various outside forces and deep-seeded jealousies. The Wolff brothers (Nat and Alex) play extremely well off of one another and have several show-stopping moments of shocking laugh-out-loud humor and hard-hitting drama. Watch this movie whenever and wherever you can!

“Widows” - Starring an all-star ensemble cast, we thoroughly enjoyed the thrilling, dramatic, corrupt “Widows.”

What an intense movie! This is the kind of film that will keep you on the edge of your seat, will keep you guessing, and will keep you munching away at your popcorn from start to finish. Look for Viola Davis to be one of the five women nominated for best actress come next year, she is a show-stopper here.

“The Favourite” - Cunning, wicked, and devilish, “The Favourite” is sure to be a favorite come awards season. Rachel Weisz, Olivia Colman, and Emma Stone are brilliant here. The writing is sharp-tongued and expertly delivered. This is director Yorgos Lanthimos’s most palatable and accessible film, but that doesn’t make it any less incredible.

“Electric Love” - A sweet romantic comedy about two veterans of the social media/internet dating game finding one another in the chaos of Los Angeles life. We found the characters and the actors who played them to be both charming and relatable. We laughed at the witty dialogue and the sometimes awkward situations that arise from dates-gone-wrong and even some dates-gone-right.

“Seau” - ESPN has done a stupendous job creating a documentary that not only celebrates the life of San Diego hometown hero Junior Seau, but one that looks into CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), how it can affect football players, and what happens when its symptoms go unchecked.

Despite not being fans of football, we were riveted and deeply moved by “Seau.” We were driven to tears on several occasions hearing those who knew and loved him regale the audience with stories about his passion, his effort, his knowledge, and his sheer strength and determination as a football player.

“One Small Step” (short film) - An endearing and emotional animated short from upstart company TAIKO Studios, this beautiful film deals with the agony of chasing your dreams and the bond between a father and daughter. The power and magic of movies is on full display as this less-than-10-minute short is sure to both make you smile and move you to tears.

Watch this one now on the TAIKO Studios YouTube page.

“Your Call is Important to Us” (short film) - A darkly funny live-action short about how call centers torment those who

dare call customer service. We can relate to this so well because we have all been the person on the other end of a call like this.

We felt so bad for the poor man who just needed help. We watch as the call center employees jerk him around, then cut him off just as he seems to be getting somewhere. We laughed hysterically throughout this well-made short.

Visit our blog at www.lololovesfilms.com for more reviews, and follow us @lololovesfilms on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat for extra content! For inquiries or comments, please email: lololovesfilms@gmail.com.

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The Clairemont Times • November 2018 • 13

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Beers by the Bay

I asked about his favorite beers. He is especially proud of the award winning pale ale, because it is a go-to beer that has full flavor without an excess of alcohol.

You can definitely drink more one glass in a session. B. Right On is dry hopped with Cascade hops that give it a dry piney finish. I enjoyed another award, Hidden Gem Dunkelweizen, even more. Hidden Gem is a dark German style wheat ale that won a silver medal at last year’s GABF.

by Brian Riehm Millea brews it with Munich and dark I was astounded to find an outstanding malts in addition to the wheat. This malt forward beer has hints of Belgian esters brewery close to Clairemont that I had with clove and banana flavors. It is one of missed. Ocean Beach Brewery came to the few beers I have rated a full five stars my attention by winning two prestigious awards at this September’s Great American on Untappd, social media for beer.

Rooftop Saison won bronze at the San Beer Festival (GABF). Their B. Right On Diego International Beer Festival but is currently unavailable.

The Ocean Beach Brewing kitchen serves an upscale pub food menu. A brewpub can be defined as a restaurant that also brews beer on premise.

This excellent food quality from their own kitchen sets them apart from most other brewery destinations. Food is available whenever the brewpub is open. The fish & chips, garlic fries, and bacon avocado cheeseburger were all excellent. In case you were wondering, I visited more than once. Because of the small size of the brewing operation, “guest” beers are on tap to round out the line up with high quality craft beers, many from San Diego. On my first trip, I enjoyed the Head Brewer Jim Millea on the roof at Ocean Beach Brewery.

Ocean Beach Brewing – Hidden Gem

Pale Ale beat out 170 other competitors for a gold medal in the pale ale category.

They also took home the Small Brewpub of the Year award. The small brewpub is awarded to a location that sells less than 750 barrels per year with more than three-quarters of its beer sales taking place on premise as part of a food operation. I talked to head brewer Jim Millea about the awards, their beers and the brewpub at their Ocean Beach location, 5041 Newport Ave. Millea told me that OB Brewery opened just over two years ago, but the process to establish the brewery was a long time coming. Owner Mike Tajran purchased the location in 2008, started installing brewing equipment in 2015, finally opening in July 2016. Millea has been the head brewer from the start. He got his start in home brewing and became fascinated with beer making. He completed the UCSD Professional Certificate in Brewing and had an internship at Ballast Point on his way to becoming head brewer. Paul Segura, previously interviewed for this column, teaching brewery operations in this curriculum. Millea found his internship at Ballast Point to be especially valuable in teaching him the full range of brewing art.

Bacon cheeseburger, Dunkelweizen, and garlic fries at OB Brewery.

view of the ocean and the OB pier, as well as the ocean breeze on the third deck rooftop, where there is plenty of seating under the umbrellas. The rooftop is the most popular seating location in the pub.

It’s also available for private parties. The ground floor has the bar, four big screens with sports, and a patio abutting Newport Ave. The location is in the heart of the Ocean Beach street scene, one block from the beach, with Hodad’s and South Beach Bar & Grille nearby.

Millea told me that whatever IPA he has on draft is the current best seller. Most brewers and owners in San Diego have echoed this. This is an IPA town. Millea has made sure he doesn’t disappoint the local hopheads with Hop on Board. This is a full-blown west coast IPA redolent with full pine and citrus. Excellent carbonation brings out the hop aromas. I also tried a not-quite finished NO NAME Apricot Wheat Ale that had subtle, soft apricot flavor that will probably be enhanced once fully carbonated. OB Brewery is asking customers to suggest names for this beer. Night Moves Oatmeal Stout was pretty mellow, full taste, and easy drinking. It boasted roasty malts and a chocolate finish. I tried Elevator Red IPA both on nitro and in traditional form.

On Nitro, the bitterness is much stronger, a big surprise as nitrogen usually lends a creamier taste to a beer. I much preferred the standard version because the hints of caramel sweetness nicely offset IPA bitterness.

I asked Millea what would bring Clairemont residents to OB Brewery. He said that it is a great place to hang out, not just as a beer destination, but also with a little of everything: guest beers, a rooftop view, and great food. Also, it’s the only location where you can sample their award winning beer.

Brian Riehm is a long-time Clairemont resident and follower of the local craft beer scene. You can keep up with all his beer reviews by following @BrianRiehm on Twitter and reading his blog (brianssandiego.blogspot.com/)

14 • The Clairemont Times • November 2018

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City of San Diego Offers Landscape, Rain Barrel Rebates for Water Customers The City of San Diego offers money-saving ways for water customers to conserve water. The City’s Public Utilities Department provides rebates through grant funding by the Department of Water Resources for both removing lawns and installing rain barrels.

Homeowners can apply now for financial rebates to convert their lawns into a drought resistant landscape. The City is offering a $1.25 per square foot rebate for all lawns that are converted.

Converted areas must be designed to capture rainfall for reuse.

Applications are now being taken for Rainwater Harvesting Rebates. Rain barrels and downspouts catch rainwater from hard surfaces such as rooftops. While San Diego isn’t in the rainy season yet, now is a good time to prepare. The barrels

are a great way to conserve and then reuse the water for irrigation purposes. It also helps prevent pollution by reducing the amount of runoff that goes down the storm drain. Customers may receive $1 per gallon of barrel storage capacity for residential rainwater harvesting up to 400 gallons or $400 per property.

More information about these and other rebates as well as additional water conservation options is available on the City’s website at www.wastenowater.org.

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The Advance Health Care Directive

by Dick McEntyre, Attorney at Law

In the year 2000, the State of California adopted an Advance Health Care Directive form, by which, a person may set out his or her directions concerning health care, end-of-life decisions, and related concerns.

This form is comprised of three main components: First, it contains a power of attorney for health care, by which you may designate a person (and “back-up[s]”), called your “agent,” to make health care decisions on your behalf, should you be unable (for example, be in a coma).

Second, it gives you the choice to direct that your health care provider provide, withhold, or withdraw health treatment for yourself under circumstances where your physicians expect you to die within a relatively short period of time.

Third, the form enables you to offer to donate, upon your death, your organs, tissues, and other body parts, subject to any limitations your may impose.

In addition, the form enables you to make known any of your other related wishes, such as, for example, burial/cremation instructions.

The Advance Health Care Directive is an important document, typically prepared at the time you prepare your estate planning documents. Hospitals and physicians do rely on this document.

While a completed form does not automatically terminate after a given period of time, it is best that it be done afresh or “re-validated” at least every five years, so that third parties (physicians and hospitals) who are asked to rely on it can be sure it states your current intentions.

The above statements are generalizations only and are not to be taken as legal advice for the reader’s particular situation.

Richard F. McEntyre is a lawyer practicing law in the areas of estate planning and administration, having served the San Diego community as a lawyer for over 40 years.

House calls are available. Dick’s office is located at 3156 Sports Arena Boulevard, Suite 102 (Telephone (619) 221-0279), www.richardfmcentyre.com.

The Clairemont Times • November 2018 • 15

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Easy to Grow Succulents: Dudleyas

by Susan Lewitt

9 wonderful Dudleyas are native to California, nine specific to Clairemont.

Chalk Dudleya

Dudleya (D. variegata) native to San Diego and Baja California; and Sticky Dudleya (D. viscida) occurring in about 20 areas of San Diego, Orange, and Riverside Counties complete the list.

Plant Dudleyas on a 45 to 90-degree angle in partial shade for south facing areas and full sun elsewhere. These plants tolerate various soils, with fast to medium drainage, but prefer sandstone. Chalk Dudleya tolerates one summer watering, but will survive without it, becoming partially summer dormant. These plants tend to be deer resistant, and attract hummingbirds. Fingertip Dudleya works as a groundcover.

They both work in bird gardens and Chalk Dudleya is a pleasant addition to butterfly gardens.

Both do well with various cactus species. Chalk Dudleya may be

Two are very easy to grow and available in nurseries.

Fingertips (Dudleya Edulis), occurring in rocky sandstone soils of coastal and inland Southern and Baja California; and Chalk Dudleya (D. pulverulent) found in rocky areas of coastal and inland mountains and desert foothills of southwestern California and northern Mexico.

Some of the other 7 are rarer and harder to get partially due to habitat loss, degradation and development. Chalk Dudleya flowers & hummingbird That includes Coastal Dudleya (D. caespitosa) found coastally planted with Chamise, California Encelia, California Buckwheat, Pink Honeysuckle, Wild Hyacinth, Oaks, Yucca spp., and native grasses. Fingertips does well with California Fuchsia, California Box Thorn, Sea Dahlia, and Sea Cliff Buckwheat.

Photos courtesy of Calscape: https://calscape.org/ CNPS Monthly meetings: third Tuesday, 6:30 pm Casa Del Prado, Balboa Park, room 101.

CNPS: www.cnpssd.org/

Fingertip Dudleya closeup

from San Francisco through southern San Diego; Lanceleaf Liveforever (D. lanceolate) occurring in of Southern and Baja California; and two variations of Blochman’s Dudleya (D. blochmaniae, D. blochmaniae ssp. Blochmaniae) found in Southern and Baja California. Many-stemmed Dudleya (D. multicaulis) indigenous to Southern California; variegated

Fingertip Dudleya

Tecolote Nature Center 5180 Tecolote Road San Diego, CA 92110 • 858-581-9944 Park Ranger Office 858-581-9961 Monday – Closed, Tuesday –Saturday 9:00-4:00, Sunday 9:00-2:00

Saturday, November 3 • 9:00-10:30 Novem-Birds Family Walk Join naturalists in ringing in November with a free, guided family walk in Tecolote Canyon. We never know what we’ll find crawling, chirping, growing, and/or flying in the canyon’s main trail and Battle trail loop. Maybe we’ll hear or see Novem-Birds! Carriers are recommended for little ones.

Wear closed-toe shoes, and bring water and your sense of wonder.

Come fall for autumn with us :-) Sunday, November 4 • 9:00 am Sunday in the Garden Start your Sunday off right! Help Ranger Erika in the native plant garden. Meet like-minded people, learn about our native plants, have fun!

Saturday, November 10 • 8:00 am *Birding the Southern Wildlife Preserve* (Sea World Drive frontage road) The fall migration should be in full swing and we will look for migratory ducks, herons, egrets and many other species. *Meet at Friars Road and the frontage road east of Sea World Drive. No facilities here and parking is along the shoulder of the frontage road. Binoculars are recommended as well as adequate water and sun protection.

Saturday, November 17 • 9:00-11:00 Weed Warriors Volunteer with the Park Rangers to clean up your canyon. Gloves and tools provided. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes. Bring water and sun protection.

Wednesday, November 21 Sorry, NO Art & Activities this month -See you in December Activities are posted at www.meetup.com/Friends of Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and Nature Center. Like us on Facebook/Friends of Tecolote Canyon www.friendsoftecolotecanyon.org

Download the “San Diego Get It Done App” Report Issues Directly to the City with Your Phone For Example:

Graffiti Potholes Traffic Signals/Street Lights Streets & Sidewalks Illegal Dumping Parking Issues & More

16 • The Clairemont Times • November 2018

www.clairemonttimes.com

LIBRARY EVENTS CLAIREMONT BRANCH 2920 BURGENER BLVD, 92110 (858) 581-9935

All city libraries will be closed on Monday Nov. 12 in observance of Veterans Day and on Thursday, Nov. 22 for Thanksgiving.

Little Ones Sign Language Storytime 11/1 & 11/15 10:30am Children and their caregivers can learn ASL sign language while hearing great stories!

Baby & Toddler Storytime 11/8 & 11/29 10:30am Joyce leads a fun storytime with stories, songs and play!

Fridays: Preschool Storytime with Miss Fran! 10:30am Join Miss Fran as she reads fun picture books and sings songs!

Kids & Teens Book Club for Kids! 11/20 4:30pm A book club especially for kids ages 9 and up! This student-run club is a chance for young people to read and discuss their favorite books. This month the group will discuss “Little Women” by Louis May Scott Tuesdays: Homework Help 6pm With kids back in school that means the return of homework help available free at the library. Trained volunteers are here to help kids get unstuck on those difficult

problems or writing assignments.

Thursdays: Game Time 3pm Break out the board games for a little tabletop fun!

Thursdays: Kids Craft Club 4pm Craft time has something new every time!

Saturdays: Button Making 10:30am Express yourself by making your own buttons to decorate your backpack or clothes! Bring your own pictures or use some of ours! Materials are free!

Adults Literary Book Club 11/7 6pm The Book Club will be discussing, “Killers of the Flower Moon” by David Grann Make Your Own Book! 11/20 6pm Now is your chance to learn simple binding techniques and make a book of your own. Make one for yourself or create a unique gift for someone else! Space is limited so contact the library to reserve your place.

Music Concert 11/28 6pm Featuring the talents of Dean Ratzman playing ‘40s Swing, Big Band, Jazz Standards, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s Jazz, Blues, Rock and Soul hits of Great American Artists.

This free concert is sponsored by the Friends of the Clairemont Library.

3D Printer Clairemont Library’s own 3D printer is

available for use by interested young people and adults.

We have yet to set up regular open times but those interested in printing something can talk to library staff for details. Designs should be saved as .STL files. To see thousands of pre-made designs go to www.thingiverse.com. Prints should take less than two hours.

NORTH CLAIREMONT BRANCH 4616 CLAIREMONT DR. 92117 (858) 581-9931

Scrabble Club 11/1 1pm & 11/6 5pm USS Midway Museum’s presentation “The Floating City at Sea” 11/8 1pm Did you know that 95% of the USS Midway crew operated a floating city at sea with restaurants, barber shops, city utilities, convenience stores, police, hospital, newspaper, hotels, laundry and much more so the pilots could launch when the nation called? Celebrate Veteran’s Day by learning a bit of history.

The Book Sale 11/10 9:30am-1pm There is always a fine selection of used and special books, many of which would make lovely gifts. It is not too early to think about the gift giving season.

San Diego Opera will present “Opera Exposed!” 11/13 6pm This concert features exceptional singers performing dramatically charged excerpts from operatic repertoire.

San Diego Becomes Largest City to Move Forward with Community Choice Marking a big step toward implementing San Diego’s Climate Action Plan and the goal of 100 percent renewable energy use citywide by 2035, Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer last month announced the City would begin the process of forming a new joint-powers entity to take over the responsibility of purchasing power for its residents and, potentially, the San Diego region.

After three years of research and analysis, Mayor Faulconer has selected Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) as the preferred pathway to reach the 100 percent renewable energy goal in the City’s landmark Climate Action Plan. The new entity would create healthy competition to benefit San Diegans, lower energy costs by 5 percent or more for ratepayers, and help the City reach its renewable energy goal by 2035 – a decade ahead of the state’s goal.

Mayor Faulconer will now seek City Council approval of a resolution of intent to establish a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) that would implement and operate the CCA and allow other cities and government agencies in the San Diego region to join. A regional approach would

allow for greater negotiating and buying power as well as create efficiencies in operations and service.

Several other cities in the region are currently exploring the feasibility of a CCA and have expressed interest in joining a Joint Powers Authority.

While evaluating potential pathways to reach the renewable energy goal, one of the biggest drivers of the decision was the ability to provide competitive pricing for ratepayers.

The City conducted a CCA feasibility study in 2017 that included extensive analysis and third-party peer review. It concluded that the CCA program would be reliably solvent and financially feasible.

The City then tasked MRW & Associates – a firm with more than 20 years of experience advising the City, other municipalities and utilities on energy issues – to develop a business plan for the CCA. Last month, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) made a final ruling on exit fees – the charges ratepayers pay to switch from an investor-owned utility to a CCA – that

allowed the City to determine the financial impacts of creating its own CCA. With this new information, the City now estimates that a CCA would have the ability to provide a cost reduction of 5 percent or more compared to the utility’s energy generation rates residents and businesses are currently paying.

The creation of a regionwide CCA will be a multi-year process. After the formation of a JPA and appointment of its board of directors in 2019, the board would then hire an executive leadership team, including a chief executive and chief financial officer, which would guide the JPA through the CCA implementation process. The JPA would then seek CPUC approval with the goal of delivering power as soon as 2021.

The City’s Climate Action Plan has one of the most ambitious renewable energy goals in the world. San Diego’s 100 percent renewable goal is for 2035 – 10 years earlier than California’s goal of 2045 set earlier this year.

The Climate Action Plan is a landmark package of policies that benefits San Diego’s environment and economy. It has

Paint Like the Masters 11/15 1pm This month (believe it!) during a new art program. No experience is necessary and all supplies will be provided but space is limited so call or stop by to sign up.

Movie Night “Black Panther” 11/27 5pm This superhero, action-packed adventure finds a new king protecting his country and throne.

Book Repair Workshops! 11/29 2pm Everyone is asking for more, for this one and half-hour session. Bring your damaged books and learn how to restore them to usable condition during this step by step program. Call or stop by to sign up.

We Celebrate One Book, One San Diego during three programs this month including: Family Storytime 11/7 6:30pm NC Book Club 11/20 6:30pm Teen Graphic Novel Book Club 11/28 5pm Homework Help Struggling with homework? Come in Mondays through Thursday starting at 3pm to receive free help.

Sparkle, w/Love on a Leash and a certified therapy dog. Share a story and meet with you every second Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m. in the Children’s Area. helped create new jobs in the renewable energy industry, improved public health and air quality, conserved water, more efficiently used existing resources, increased clean energy production, improved quality of life and saved taxpayer money.

COMMUNITY CHOICE ENERGY TIMELINE December 2018: Resolution of intent available for docketing at City Council.

Spring 2019: Begin formal meetings with potential JPA partners to negotiate structure and guiding principles.

Summer 2019: City Council action to officially form new JPA. Fall 2019: JPA begins hiring staff, including CEO and CFO. Staff develops implementation plan for submittal to CPUC. 2020: JPA continues to establish operations. CPUC approval expected.

2021: CCA begins service to customers with phased-in approach throughout the year.

For more information and documents related to the Mayor’s Community Choice decision, visit https://www.sandiego.gov/sustainability/cle an-and-renewable-energy

The Clairemont Times • November 2018 • 17

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PROUD PARENTS PET PROFILE www.yourpetnannyannie.com

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For more information visit our website: www.coastviewvet.com and follow us on Facebook “CoastView Veterinary Hospital”

3895 Clairemont Dr. #103 (at Balboa Ave), San Diego 92117 858-914-1934 • www.coastviewvet.com

CoastView Veterinary Hospital in Clairemont Becomes First Fear Free Certified Practice in California

by Adam Schultz

San Diego’s CoastView Veterinary Hospital has achieved what no other California veterinary hospital has done before; become the state’s first Fear-Free Certified Veterinary Practice.

“It’s official,” said the business owner and veterinarian Laura Schultz, DVM. “On August 31st we became the first veterinary hospital in the entire state of California to earn Practice-Level Fear-Free Certification. And when I say ‘earn it’ I mean it. The certification process was exhaustive, yet totally worth it because it demonstrates our team’s commitment to holding pets’ emotional well-being with equal importance as their physical health.”

While every staff member is currently certified or is in the process of earning their individual certification, the hospital level certification takes Fear-Free standards of care to an entirely new level. On August 30th, 2018, CoastView Vet underwent an intensive and comprehensive onsite evaluation conducted by Dr. Stephens-Manley. This evaluation covered a multitude of individual elements ranging from the physical layout of the hospital – to management, leadership, and culture – to

pet owner educational resources – to the patient experience.

The Fear-Free Initiative was developed by veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, “America’s Veterinarian” and 17-year veteran of Good Morning America, to eliminate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets.

The intensive certification courses were developed by Dr. Becker along with an advisory group which included animal behaviorists, practice management experts, and other leaders in the veterinary field.

For more information visit: www.fearfreepets.com.

“While we are thrilled with this achievement, it really marks the beginning point as we are actively engaged in continuing education and understand we will be reevaluated on an annual basis, continued Dr. Schultz. I’m proud of my entire team and the pet parents who have completely embraced the Fear-Free Way. They continue to inspire me as we take pet care in a new direction and truly celebrate this wonderful phenomenon; the human-animal bond.”

For more information visit CoastView Veterinary Hospital: 3895 Clairemont Dr. 92117 or call (858) 914-1934 or www.CoastViewVet.com

18 • The Clairemont Times • November 2018

www.clairemonttimes.com

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The Clairemont Times • November 2018 • 19

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Mayor Faulconer Proposes New Rules of the Road for Dockless Scooters With the goal of encouraging more transportation choices and improving the quality of life in neighborhoods, Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer last month proposed a regulatory framework for dockless scooters to address safety concerns while allowing the nascent technology to continue operating in San Diego in a more responsible way.

“The rapid evolution of this industry is evidence of the popularity of dockless mobility devices as great options for folks who would like to leave their car at home,” Mayor Faulconer said. “As with many disruptive new technologies, there are issues that need to be addressed. First and foremost, public safety is our top priority and that will be reflected in these common-sense regulations.”

Mayor Faulconer’s proposed policies are focused on motorized scooters – the predominant mobility device used across the city – but are designed to include other types of dockless devices as the industry continues to evolve. The regulatory framework cover five primary areas – limiting maximum speed in designated zones, rider education, data sharing, operating fees, and legal indemnification for the City of San Diego.

The City Council’s Public Safety and Livable Neighborhoods (PS&LN) Committee held a hearing on the proposed framework on Oct. 24.

“I’m pleased to have worked with Mayor Faulconer to develop important safety standards for the protection of scooter riders and pedestrians,” said City Councilmember Lorie Zapf, a member of the PS&LN committee. “My goal has

always been to slow down the speed of the scooters and address safety concerns. With this proposal I feel confident that we will see changes for the better.”

Limiting Speed: Using geofencing technology, operators will be required to slow their devices down to eight miles per hour in designated high-pedestrian traffic zones around the City, including: • Boardwalks in Mission Beach, Pacific Beach and La Jolla beach areas • Downtown Embarcadero • Promenade behind the San Diego Convention Center • Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade Downtown • Balboa Park • NTC Park • Mission Bay Park City Indemnification: Each operator will be required to indemnify the City from liability claims and each will need to hold a liability insurance policy.

Rider Education: Prior to each use, companies will be required to educate riders of local and state vehicle and traffic codes and the cost of a citation for violating those laws. Each device also will need to be clearly labeled “Riding on Sidewalks is Prohibited.”

“Circulate San Diego supports thoughtful regulations in San Diego in order to ensure the continued availability and safe use of dockless scooters,” said Maya Rosas, Policy Director for Circulate San Diego. “The scooters are game changers that provide new mobility options, and with safe infrastructure they will help San Diego meet its Climate Action Plan and Vision Zero goals.”

POLICE BLOTTER VEHICLE BREAK IN 2800 Brannick Pl 4700 Lake Forest Ave 5000 Cole St 4900 Clairemont Dr 3300 Millikin Ave 2800 Brannick Pl 4700 Lake Forest Ave 5000 Cole St 4900 Clairemont Dr 3300 Millikin Ave 4600 Southampton St 4500 Mt. Lindsey Pl 4300 Mt. Castle Ave 3900 Mt. Everest Blvd 6700 Beadnell Way

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY 4900 Millwood Rd 4100 Clairemont Dr 5500 Camber Dr 5500 Camto Katerina 7300 Blix St 4800 Mt. Casas Dr 3400 Cowley Way 4100 Mt. Alifan Pl VEHICLE THEFT 3500 Clairemont Mesa Blvd 4800 Mt. Frissell Dr 5100 Clairemont Mesa Blvd 5500 Balboa Ave 5500 Balboa Arms Dr 5100 Clairemont Mesa Blvd 7000 Levant St

BATTERY 5100 Frink Ave 5000 Brillo St 5000 Clairemont Dr 5400 Balboa Ave 7600 Linda Vista Rd COMMERCIAL BURGLARY 2800 Governor Dr 3900 Clairemont Dr 4400 Balboa Ave FRAUD Fraud 3200 Jemez St Fraud 4800 Moccasin Ave VANDALISM 4800 Cole

“If you do not report it or call us, in our mind it did not happen” San Diego Police Officer Call 911 to report an emergency Non Emergency 24 hours (619)-531-2000 www.sandiego.gov/police Compiled from info at www.CrimeMapping.com

Data Sharing: The operators will provide the City with detailed monthly reports that will be useful for Climate Action Plan monitoring and mobility planning, including but not limited to: • Deployed Device Data, including fleet size and utilization rates • Trip information, including start/end points, routes, distances and duration • Parking information • Reported incidents and actions taken

• Reported obstructions/hazards and actions taken • Maintenance activities Fees: Each company wishing to operate within City limits will be issued an annual permit, with a permit fee, and will be required to pay an additional operational fee for the use of City property. Costs associated with each fee are still being determined.

Advertising Sales Person(s) Wanted If you or someone you know is looking for a p/t or f/t job we are looking to hire ad sales reps. The ideal candidate is someone who is outgoing and ambitious and looking to supplement their income. The hours are very flexible. Sales experience is preferred.

Please feel free to call or email Chris O’Connell at (858) 752-9779 or Chris@ClairemontTimes.com. This is a heavy commission sales position.

20 • The Clairemont Times • November 2018

www.clairemonttimes.com

A Chat with Bill Swank about Santa Claus & His Book “Christmas in San Diego”

by Chris O’Connell

As readers of the paper know Bill Swank has a column in the paper called “Squaremont”. What many may not

books for us and you’re San Diego’s Santa Claus. You should do a book about Christmas in San Diego.”

CO: How did you approach

have no training for the role. I just try to be the Santa I wish my kids could have visited when they were young. I’m a loud, laughing, jolly Santa. I try to make kids feel special. Making kids and their families happy gives me great pleasure.

CO: Did you dedicate your book to someone who made Christmas special to you?

BS: The book is dedicated to all the volunteers throughout San Diego county who bring joy to others at Christmas. If the stories and photographs in my book don’t get you in the Christmas spirit, you’ve got a serious Grinch problem requiring immediate medical attention!

Clairemont kids for over 30 years.

CO: How can people buy a copy of your book?

BS: If you would like a copy of my book for $20, send an e-mail to Bill@ClairemontTimes.com CO: Will you be making any appearances this year as Santa Claus?

BS: I will be lighting the Community Christmas Tree at the Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park at 6:30 PM on Saturday, December 1, 2018. Come and have your picture taken with me and buy a copy of Christmas in San Diego.

I will return to the Organ Pavilion from 5:00 to 8:00 PM for “December Nights in the Park” on December 7 and 8, 2018.

I’ve really cut back on being Santa for several charitable organizations. I’m getting to be an old man! My wife liked it when I taped a note by our phone that says, “Say ‘No’ to Santa requests.”

Walt Andersen and I are old friends.

We recently celebrated our 65th reunion from Mission Bay High School. What started in 2008 as a small get-together for family, friends and staff has grown to a two-hour event with a professional photographer. I will be at Walter Anderson Nursery in the Midway District on December 15, 2018 from 11:00 AM TO 1:00 PM.

CO: How about a little sneak peek into the book?

What can you share with us?

BS: Who knew a baby named Salvador was born near Borrego Springs on Christmas Eve 1775 while Santa Swank visits with a boy at the Speckles Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park (photo courtesy Balboa Park Conservancy) Captain Juan Bautista de Anza was leading a group of know is he is a retired probation officer, 240 settlers and soldiers to Monterey or writing the book? a devout fan of baseball and an author BS: Being a baseball historian, I tried that future California governor Pio Pico of ten books, mostly about baseball. was arrested in Old Town for portraying to cover all the bases. The book is Merry Christmas to all. Ho! Ho! With the holiday season approaching divided into five chapters... the history the devil in the traditional Spanish Ho! I thought I would sit and have a chat Christmas morality of Christmas in San Diego, the with Bill about becoming a Santa and play, La Pastorela? distinctly San Diego Christmas his book Christmas in San Diego.

In 19th Century San traditions, the various ways Christmas is Diego, the biggest celebrated within the many CO: How does one become a baseball game of the communities of San Diego County, Santa? Is it your beard? Is it your year was played on unique San Diego Christmas trees and, body? Were you ever a mall Santa?

Christmas Day. lastly, some very special San Diego BS: I didn’t know I’d end up looking Did you know that Santas. the way I do. My beard turned white in 1925, Santa’s biplane and I don’t count calories. I was actually landed in the sand at CO In your research are there any discovered almost 20 years ago loading books written about Christmas in San Mission Beach and he my plate at HomeTown Buffet. A little was immediately Diego?

Mexican girl hugged my leg and said, “I surrounded by bathing BS: I’m not aware of any others. love you, Santa.” She melted my heart. beauties?

I had previously been approached to The San Diego Gay CO: When I think of the become a professional Santa and a mall Men’s Chorus produces Christmas season in San Diego, I Santa, but that held no interest for me. a beloved Christmas think of people taking pictures at the It even seemed un-Santalike. In 2002, I program every year. The beach and sending them to others in was asked to be a volunteer Santa in hit of their Nutcracker colder climates. I think of the Hotel Balboa Park. I had taken my kids to see Suite is a large man in a Del decorated and festive. Riding the religious Christmas scenes when they around neighborhoods checking out small tutu dancing as were young and thought it was a good The Sugar Plum Fairy.

Christmas light displays. How about way to give something back to the The first you? What does Christmas mean to community. I finally agreed to wear the real-bearded Santa in you? red suit.

San Diego was probably BS: You mention neighborhood Gabe Bradford who Christmas light displays. As a matter of CO: Why a book about Christmas first appeared at the fact, Clairemont Christmas Park, by in San Diego?

Madison High School, is one of the best Clairemont Square in BS: Over some beers, Jeff Ruetsche, 1978 and continued his in San Diego County. my editor at Arcadia Publishing, said, Since becoming Santa, Christmas has genuine and gentle “You’ve done two San Diego baseball “Christmas in San Diego” by Bill Swank interest in talking with taken on a new dimension for me. I

(photo courtesy Arcadia Publishing Company)